BYU sharpens for Idaho State

PROVO  Dave Rose put his team through corrective paces to hone situational skills from the past two days in preparation for tonight's home opener against Idaho State in the Marriott Center.

"We needed to sharpen up on some things," Rose said.

The Cougars (1-0) host the Bengals (0-1) at 7 p.m. The game will not be televised. The game will air on KSL Radio 1160 AM.

"Idaho State seems to be very similar to last year," said Rose. "They've got a good inside presence with very athletic guards who can shoot outside. They spread the floor really well and can all shoot from the perimeter. It will be a different look from what we saw the other night."

In the Cougars' season-opener at Long Beach State, BYU killed the 49ers 74-34. Long Beach simply could not make field goals against the Cougars on its home court. As much respect as Rose has for the Bengals, who took them into overtime a year ago, ISU went 1 for 20 from 3-point territory in its opener on the road at Iowa.

Idaho State returns two starters from a team that finished 13-17 a year ago, 8-8 in the Big Sky Conference. Logan Kinghorn, a 6-foot-5 senior guard from Rigby, Idaho, and Matt Stucki, a 6-6 shooting guard and the leading scorer from a year ago, are expected to lead the Bengals.

Lucan Steijn, who is 6-11, 240 pounds, led Idaho State with 10 points at Iowa. Corey O'Brien, son of head coach Joe O'Brien, mans the point-guard spot.

"I know some of these players from watching them through the years playing in the summer and they have some shooters. They didn't shoot it well the other night, but you could tell they got what they wanted from their offense," said Rose.

Idaho State forced 17 turnovers from the Hawkeyes and holding Iowa to 58 points was considered a plus for O'Brien's team opening on the road.

"It's always good to return home and play before our fans," said BYU guard Sam Burgess. "We feel comfortable here. Idaho State gave us all we wanted a year ago, so we know we have to be prepared to play."

COUGAR NOTES: Sophomore sharpshooter Jonathan Tavernari said he expects his wrist issues to be solved come game time. Tavernari hurt his wrist in practice a week ago and wore a protective device at Long Beach while playing limited minutes. He said he expects to have shot 2,000 shots before today's game and will get back to form. "I'll tell you something about shooting," said Tavernari. "The week of the Blue-White game, I couldn't make a shot to save my life. The coach came to me and asked why I hadn't taken a jump shot and I'd been out there for 20 minutes warming up. I said it's all in my head and I went out and had a hot shooting night." ... Center Gavin MacGregor (ankle) is doubtful for tonight ... Reserve center Vuk Ivanovic had one of his better performances at Long Beach State, scoring eight points and grabbing five rebounds.